Egypt’s Coinage Authority announced on Monday that it issued three commemorative medallions to celebrate the lives of the last three popes of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church.

According to Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait, "the Coinage Authority is documenting the nation's political, economic, and religious history by crafting designs commemorating the most significant events to preserve the historical identity of Egyptians.

“Egypt will continue to be a distinguished example for coexistence between Muslims and Christians,” he said, adding that the latest designs were chosen collaboratively with the Patriarchy and the Coptic Studies Institute.

According to Hossam Khedr, the head of the Coinage Authority, the first medallion is dedicated to Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria (1902-1971), who was officially canonised in 2013. The medallion was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death.

The medallion features a portrait of the late pope with his name in Coptic language engraved on one side, and on the other one of his famous quotes, "Pray regularly," with an illustration of the Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, which was inaugurated during his tenure, on the other side.

Pope Cyril Vl served as the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark from 1959 until his death on 9 March 1971.

Pope Cyril Vl and Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral.

The second medallion features late Pope Shenouda III with his name in Coptic language and one of his famous quotes, "Egypt is a homeland that lives inside us," engraved on one side, and an illustration of the Patriarchy headquarters, which was constructed and inaugurated during his tenure, on the other side.

Pope Shenouda III served as the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark from 1971 until his death on 17 March 2012.

Pope Shenouda III and the Patriarchy headquarter

The third medallion features a portrait of the current Pope Tawadros II on one side, while the other features the Christ Nativity Cathedral, which was inaugurated at the New Administrative Capital in 2019.  

PopeTawadros II and Christ Nativity Cathedral.